Fondazione Sacro Cuore di Gesù - 1

At the top of the Foundation you can see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Sacred Heart of Jesus Foundation, Founded in 1924 by Msgr. D. Pagano was entrusted to the Apostle Sisters of the Sacred Heart (today Ursulines of the Immaculate Conception). In the past it was an admirable multi-purpose structure, having inside: an elderly residence with hospital, a female boarding school for war orphans, an embroidery workshop and a kindergarten. It also had a prestigious Typography established in 1934 (with the help of A.Laterza of the well-known publishing house of Bari)

The prestigious Sacred Heart of Jesus Foundation, ideal residence for the elderly, is located among the best care homes in the province of Foggia and in Puglia. Founded in 1924 by Msgr. D. Pagano was entrusted to the Apostle Sisters of the Heart (today Ursulines of the Immaculate Conception). In the past it was an admirable multipurpose facility, having inside: an elderly residence with hospital, a female college of war orphans, an embroidery workshop and a kindergarten. It also had a prestigious Typography established in 1934 (with the help of A.Laterza of the famous Publishing House of Bari) which, in addition to the newspaper Raggi di Carità, printed many publications and served the three neighboring regional territories. In the structure there was also a Piccolo Teatro, already from 1924, worthy of hosting the ancient Santagatese theatrical tradition. For the occasion, the writer (in addition to the great social and religious value that the structure as a whole has had), considers it appropriate to narrate and focus, below on the historical-cultural value of this theatrical tradition. With the Marquis Loffredo (who bought the High Lordship of Sant'Agata from the Dukes Orsini in 1576 and who held until the early 1800s) a certain theatrical activity is documented at the Castle. The performances that took place in the large north room took place several times a year. The recital was almost ritual on the evening of August 10, the feast of St. Lawrence, attended by many people from neighboring countries. The actors were from the country and all male who also played the female parts. After the noble theater, the bourgeois theater was born in 1840, located near Piazza Vecchia, thanks to the contribution of 14 wealthy families. The theatrical performances took place in the Palazzo Capria (2nd entrance), the theater is remembered by the toponym of the road that marks the construction: "Via Teatro". In the early 1900s the theater was moved to the hall of the House of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In addition to the performances performed by the various local theater groups that alternated over time, in the Sacro Cuore theater, there were musical performances performed (even at the end of the performances) by the small local orchestras of the 50s: the first public appearances of the young Toni Santagata and members of the musical group of Rerum Novarum - early 60s. After a short period (70s) of performances staged in the hall of the Annunziata Convent, the theatrical activity, from the 80s onwards, was done (with reviews in vernacular and with the Teatro Pubblico Pugliese) in the new Cine-Teatro on the ground floor, under the large terrace in Piazza XX Settembre. The Santagatese theatrical tradition continued with the birth, in 1977, of the active Santagatese Theater Company which organized historical parades, via crucis and reviews in the vernacular, winning first prizes. The Compagnia Teatrale Santagatese staged shows in the province and outside the region and, in particular, recited "Il pianto della Madonna" of Lauda by Jacopone da Todi in front of His Holiness (now Holy) Pope John Paul II in 1987 in Foggia. The Santagatesi already "protagonists and posed" in the scenes of the frescoes of the Passion (by E. Liberti in the Church of S. Nicola) and, already inclined to disguises in the carnival parades and in the ancient performances with songs and sounds of the groups of begging masks , over time, they have increased the interest in the art of theater.This tradition, enriched also by manuscripts and books of theatrical works published by authors from Sant'Agata, he involved the population in the acting, in the packed parades with performances, of the historical processions and the Via Crucis Vivente, in the scenic representations of the Nativity and also in the usual representation of the apparition of the Madonna of the Crowned, depicted by children in costume. The ancient Santagatese theatrical tradition, over time, has done nothing but provide continuous impulses to generations and also give the first rudiments to Santagatese actors, now established in the national field. Lorenzo Palazzo © Google Maps ©